Product review: Bolkin S-100 2600mah Portable USB Power Bank External Battery Charger Pack

This is small size battery (4" x 1" x 0.875") with one port. It weighs 2.5 oz. The package includes a charging cable with 4 tips (mini USB, micro USB, Apple connector, and a round connector I don't recognize). I find this size battery very handy to have in my purse for emergency power when my phone runs out of juice. The battery is rated as 2600mAh. Since some power during charging is lost to inefficiencies (such as heat) it will provide approximately 2210 mAh.

I tested Bokin 2600 mAh with Samsung Nexus phone and iPad Mini tablet. For those who are interested in the bottom line this battery pack worked consistently with both devices, charging both device at a slightly below average speed I have seen for chargers with this capacity.

I run the same set on tests on each battery pack I own, so I can compare them to each other using "apples to apples" comparison. This set of tests allows me to provide unbiased comparisons between different external batteries. I am including the details of the tests below for those who want to see the nitty gritty.

★ To prolong battery life
==================================

Li-ion batteries do not need to be fully charged nor is it desirable to do so. In fact, it is better not to fully charge, because high voltages stresses the battery. Li-ion should never be discharged too low. This is why battery manufacturers typically ship batteries with a 40 percent charge. The low charge state reduces aging-related stress while allowing some self-discharge during storage. If you plan to store the battery without using it apply a partial charge before a long storage period.

★ How I tested this battery pack
==================================

I use a USB current monitor and a charging test to test each port. The current monitor shows the voltage and the current flowing between the battery and the device.

The current varies based on what the device requires and what battery provides. This communication happens using different protocols depending on OS. Starting with Android 4.21 Google adapted the Android protocols to get better performance from ports aimed at Apple devices. An addition variable for Android devices is whether a data cable or charging cable is used to charge the device. The charging cables short the two data connections together (rendering them useless for data transfer), but this fools devices to see the cable as an AC power connection, and thus accept the higher current of the charging source.

The 10 minutes test consists of charging each mobile device on each port of the battery pack for 10 minutes and measure how much each unit was charge in that 10 minute period. Since the charging speed is non-linear I start charging each device from approximately the same charge level. I use Battery App by Elvison to determine how each device recognized the charging source. 'AC' status means the charging is at full charging rate. 'USB' status indicates charging at a lower charging rate. 'Discharging' status means that the charging rate is below the power that the device is consuming so it slows down the discharge rate but does not re-charge.

★ Test Results:
======================

✔ Samsung Galaxy Nexus Phone
--------------------------
AC charging rate ----- 3% change in charge in 10 minutes
current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.85A and 5.02V

✔ iPad Mini Tablet
--------------------------
AC charging rate ----- 2% change in charge in 10 minutes
current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.92A and 5.05V

★ Summary
------------------
This is a nice battery to have on a go. Although not the speediest it perform reasonably well for its size.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: The Bulldog Hardware 131595 Mesh Basket

The most significant thing about these baskets is that they did not fit a regular peg board (1/8" holes) without modifications. I had to enlarge the peg board holes with a drill bit in order to allow the baskets to hang flush with wall. In my video I included a shot of how the baskets hang without enlarging the peg board holes, they cannot be straightened out. Without modifying the pegboard they were not usable. Unfortunately these modifications mean that other peg board hooks and loops are not going to work in the enlarge holes and the baskets cannot be moved without destroying more holes.

The baskets themselves are nice. The mesh is very fine and holds even small items. However the hooks on all baskets were a total mess. Besides being too thick most of them were bent in various ways. They were angled at different angles to each other and in a wrong angle for the pegboard and could not be used as they came. I had to straighten and adjust the angle of each individual hook. I have a lot of peg boards baskets and hooks, I have never had to do this for any other product.

Measurements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Small basket: 6.25"L x 3.25"W x 2.25"D
Medium basket: 7.9"L x 4"W x 3.1"D
Large basket: 12"L x 6"W x 4"D

I like being able to re-arrange the pegboard. The fact that these baskets are now married to specific holes is very disappointing. But the baskets themselves are nice.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: Mpow® 4 Port Portable USB 3.0 Hub with a 3.3ft Cable

I never have enough open slots on my power strip. What I like about Mpow 4 port charger is that it comes with a 39 inch cord and a regular sized plug. I was able to replace two dual chargers that took up three slots on my power strip with one regular size plug which is connected to this 4 port USB charger. This unit does not have mounting holes to hang on the wall, it is mean to be placed on the floor or table.

This is a very compact hub, its size is 2.275"L x 3"W x 1.25"H. It weights 5.3 oz.

I run the same set on tests on each charger I review so I can compared their performance. This set of tests allows me to provide unbiased results based on test results. I tested each port, and each port performed well. The speed of charging was better than average.

For those who interested in the details of the tests I included them below, for those interested in a quick summary this hub performed well in my test on all 4 ports.

➨ How I tested this charging station:
======================

I have been testing chargers for a long time, and people often ask me why results differ so much from charger to charger and often port to port. The results are different because they are affected by a number of factors. To help with a numerical explanation of the differences I began using a USB current monitor which shows the voltage and the current flowing between the battery and the device.

The amount of energy transferred from the charger to the device is calculated by multiplying voltage and current. Most of the chargers are 5V devices and most devices show the voltage very close to 5V. The interesting number is the current as it varies from unit to unit and from port to port.

The current varies based on what the device requires and what battery provides. This communication happens using different protocols depending on OS. Newer Android OS versions have adapted their protocols to get better performance from ports aimed at Apple devices. An addition variable that effects performance is whether a data cable or charging cable is used to charge the device. The charging cables short the two data connections together (rendering them useless for data transfer), but this fools devices to see the cable as an AC power connection, and thus accept the higher current of the charging source.

The 10 minutes test consists of charging each mobile device on each port of the battery pack for 10 minutes and measure how much each unit was charge in that 10 minute period. Since the charging speed is non-linear I start charging each device from approximately the same charge level. I use Battery App by Elvison to determine how each device recognized the charging source. 'AC' status means the charging is at full charging rate. 'USB' status indicates charging at a lower charging rate. 'Discharging' status means that the charging rate is below the power that the device is consuming so it slows down the discharge rate but does not re-charge.

➨ Test Results:
======================

✔ Samsung Nexus Phone
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Port 1: 10 minute test: ~~~~~~ AC rate ~~~ 6% in 10 minutes
Port 1: current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.83A, 4.98V

Port 2: 10 minute test: ~~~~~~ AC rate ~~~ 6% in 10 minutes
Port 2: current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.84A, 5.00V

Port 3: 10 minute test: ~~~~~~ AC rate ~~~ 6% in 10 minutes
Port 3: current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.83.04A, 4.99V

Port 4: 10 minute test: ~~~~~~ AC rate ~~~ 6% in 10 minutes
Port 4: current monitor: ~~~~~ 0.83A, 5.00V

I really like this hub. It charges quickly, the hub is very compact, and I like that it takes up just one slot on my power strip.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Belkin 12 Outlet Home Surge Protector Extended Cord 4156 Joules

I purchased a 10 feet 12 outlet version of the Belkin extended cord. This is a well designed and well spaced out power center. My video shows how several large power bricks and chargers fit on the power strip. For example two Eneloop chargers do not fit next to each other, but if they are plugged in the ends there is enough room left to plug in a medium size plug between them. I was able to replace two power strips with zero room to expand with one Belkin strip and I still have plenty of room to expand.

⬤ Size:
~~~~~~
The power strip is 4" wide, 12.5" long and 1" thick. The power cord is 10 feet (3 meters). The surger protector provide 4156 joules in surge protection.

⬤ Extra features:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The strip has detachable clip to keep cords tidy.

In my video I show the top and the bottom of the strip. You can see that the back of the surge protector has two mounting holes for hanging the strip on the wall.

The on/off switch is on the side, next to the cord.

This surge protector has sliding safety covers. Closing the covers on the outlets that are not in use will minimize dust and debris getting into the outlets.

⬤ Light indicators:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* The "Protected" green light should be on when the power switch is turned on. If this light goes out at any time, it means that your Surge Protector was sacrificed to protect your equipment and the strip should be replaced.
* The "Not Grounded" red light should not be on. If this light turns on, you may have a ground wiring problem. In my video you can see my using the the protector in an strip without a ground wire and the light is on, then you can see the strip plugged into an outlet with a proper ground and the light is off.

⬤ Warranty:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connecting a Belkin Surge Protector to an improperly grounded outlet will void all Belkin warranties. If your home is properly grounded and the Surge Protector's "Not Grounded" red indicator light is on Belkin will replace the surge protector at no cost.

I am very pleased with surge protector, it takes up a lot less space than the two power strips it replaced and I have a lot of free outlets left for further expansion.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Pro-Line Helping Hands Soldering Station with Illuminated Magnifier & 15 Watt Soldering Iron

Have you wished to have another hand while working on the project? Pro-line helping hands soldering station gives you two extra hands! This soldering station has a pair of strong alligator clips that can be used to hold items while you are soldering, glueing, or working on any project. The stand is stable and the metal "hands" that can hold items as small as jewellery and as large as a circuit board. The built-in 2x magnifying lens is position right, and the ring of 10 LED lights casts a nice bright light exactly where you need it.

The heavy steel base is 8" x 6.5" in size with slip-resistant feet for stability. Flexible arms are 5" apart and end with alligator clips that can hold a variety of objects securely in place. The loops is 5.5" inches across and 10 LED lights are mounted in a circle around it. The goose neck that holds the loops and the lights is 8" long. The neck is very flexible and stays in the position you put it.

Soldering iron stand, solder spool holder, brass mesh tip cleaner and cleaning sponge are attached to the base. The unit runs either from AC power (AC cord and adapter are included) or on 4 "AA" batteries (which are not included).

The soldering iron has an ergonomically shaped handle which is 6.5" long. It stays cool while you use it, and its texture is grippy. The package includes a 2" x 2" safety stand. The soldering iron has ceramic heating element and heats up quickly. Maximum temperature is 824°F (440°C). The tip is iron-clad chrome-plated and replaceable. The soldering iron has a 8-foot power cord.

In attached video you see my husband working on the banana plugs for audio cables. He thought the alligator clips worked great, the light was sufficient, the magnifying glass was helpful. After completing the project he gave both the soldering station and the soldering iron 5 stars.

I received a sample station and soldering iron with a request for an honest review. Getting a sample does not influence what I say, the review is purely based on how the product worked. My husband is very happy with the soldering iron and the soldering station.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: OXA Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

This bluetooth keyboard has some features I liked and some features that I did not.

On the positive side:
✅ I liked the size and the feel of the keyboard. It is 9" wide and 5.5" front to back. It weighs 7.8 oz.
✅ The balance between the comfortable key size and the compact size of the keyboard is good. Each is 3/8" square, made out of hard plastic with a nice matt finish.
✅ It has a rechargeable battery, which uses a standard micro USB cable.
✅ It has an on/off switch so you can turn it off when not in use.
✅ Most keys are in the standard layout. Function keys work by holding down fn key and a numeric key at the same time.

On the negative side:
❌ The biggest negative for me is the location of the space bar. It is located next a lip which is slightly higher in height than the space bar. This lip is located right at the front edge of the keyboard in front of the space bar and when I use my thumb to hit the space bar as I do during regular typing I hit the lip instead. In order to use the space bar I need to change how I type which slowed me down.
❌ I am fairly light on the keys, I don't hit them with force, and occasionally my regular keystrokes did not register on this keyboard. It requires a stronger touch.
❌ The keyboard tablet stand only works when the tablet in a landscape orientation. If you insert the table in a portrait orientation it tilts backwards and cannot be used (see video). If you need the tablet to be in a portrait orientation while you type you would need to use another stand.

The balance of positive and negative works out to a general okay rating: it works but not ideal.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: OXA Bluetooth Wireless 3.0 Keyboard with Aluminum Alloy Holder

I have tried several bluetooth keyboards over the last year and this one is among my favorites.

✔ For me it achieves a perfect balance between size and comfort.
✔ Keystroke response is excellent, there is no delay, keys have the right sensitivity for my key strokes, no key strokes were lost as I typed
✔ The keys feel good and have a nice feedback. The accuracy of my typing is good using it.

OXA keyboard has a solid feel to it. It weighs 14.7 oz. It is 9.75" wide, 7.5" front to back, it is 0.25" thick. Each key is a tad over 1/2" by 1/2" in size. The size of the keys is very comfortable, I did not feel I had to adjust my hand position at all. The individual keys of the keyboard are made out of hard plastic. The base of the keyboard is made out of aluminium. The keyboard has very nice feedback, I felt confident that I was making good contact.

The only thing it is lacking that I liked in another keyboard is keyboard back light. This is a very minor nit and not a deal breaker in any way.

I tested this keyboard with my iPad Mini and my Samsung Galaxy 7.7 tablet. Both worked well, paired easily and remembered when both the keyboard and the tablets were turned off. I also was able to have both of them paired with the keyboard at the same time.

The keyboard has a stand that holds a tablet in either vertical or horizontal position. The stand is very grippy, you can see that in the attached video. Both of my keyboards fit the stand, but only when the case/folio is removed.

I found that I type much faster using this keyboard than on screen keyboard, especially when I have to mix letters and numbers in the text.

I am attaching a video which shows pairing the keyboard and using it with my tablets. What is particularly nice is that some application do not display on screen keyboard, so you get the benefit of the entire screen containing the information without being covered by on screen keyboard. Some applications still display on screen keyboard even when the keyboard paired with the device, so it depends if the application developer anticipated bluetooth keyboard use or not.

I received this keyboard for testing and review (be it positive or negative) from the manufacturer. I hope the video will help you set your expectations.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★★